MAY
2024
Eco-Friendly Tips of the Month
Chuck Golden
Each month, as part of this newsletter, I am going to share with you my ideas that may work for you as you strive to be more environmentally sustainable.
How Should a Subaru Retailer Communicate
Environmentally Responsible Best Practices
to Customers?
When it comes to communicating environmentally responsible best practices to customers, Subaru retailers can take several approaches. Here are some strategies they can consider:
 
1. Recycling: Retail facilities can actively and visibly collect and recycle consumable materials such as beverage containers and paper products. This low-effort practice aligns with sustainability goals and sends a positive message to customers.
2. Reducing Usage: Implementing water-saving measures like installing low-flow toilets and faucets can help cut down on water usage. Additionally, using LED lighting and auto shut-off switches can reduce electricity needs.
3. Conducting an Energy Audit: Conduct an energy audit such as we described in last month’s newsletter. These audits often reveal opportunities for energy efficiency and may even uncover incentives and tax credits for which the retail facility is eligible.
4. Communicating with Transparent Messaging: When communicating with customers, retail facilities should be transparent about their sustainability efforts. Highlight specific initiatives, such as recycling programs or energy-efficient practices, in marketing materials, on the retail facility web site, and during customer interactions.
5. Creating Educational Content: Create educational content for customers. This could include social media updates, or videos that explain the retail facility's commitment to eco-friendly practices. Share information about electric vehicles (EVs), charging infrastructure, and the benefits of choosing greener transportation options.
6. Showcasing Green Initiatives: Display visible signs of sustainability within the retail facility. For example, showcase solar panels, EV charging stations, or energy-efficient lighting systems. These physical demonstrations reinforce the retail facility's commitment to environmentally responsible practices.
7. Collaborating with Manufacturers: Work closely with automakers to promote their green initiatives. Retail facilities should emphasize the benefits of electric or hybrid vehicles and their environmental impact. Highlight programs such as the Subaru Eco-Friendly Retailer program certification.
8. Engaging in Community Events: Participate in local environmental events or sponsor eco-friendly initiatives. This involvement not only raises awareness but also positions the retail facility as an active contributor to the community’s well-being.
9. Training Employees: Train dealership staff on sustainability practices. When employees are knowledgeable about green initiatives, they can better communicate these practices to customers.
10. Sharing Customer Testimonials: Share success stories from satisfied customers who appreciate the retail facility's commitment to sustainability. These testimonials can be powerful in reinforcing the message.

Remember that consistency is key. Regularly communicate these practices across various channels to reinforce the retail facility's dedication to environmental responsibility. By doing so, retail facilities can build trust with customers and contribute to a greener future.
We hope that you have found this checklist useful. We want to learn what your facility is doing to become more environmentally sustainable when it comes to environmentally responsible best practices. Be sure to include pictures whenever possible. Please reply to this e-mail with your information.
Sendell Subaru -- Greensburg, PA
Sendell Subaru, a recently certified eco-friendly retailer in Greensburg, PA, is making the most of that accomplishment by displaying multiple signage throughout the retail facility. There can be no doubt in customers' minds that this is a retailer dedicated to the preservation of the environment, a fact which is foremost in the thoughts of most consumers when they are ready to make a purchase.
Congratulations to These Additions
to our Subaru Eco-Friendly Family
in Haverhill, MA

in Milford, CT
in St. Albans, VT
in Vernon, CT
ENERGY STAR Certification/Webinar
"Celebrate Earth Day by earning ENERGY STAR certification." Achieving ENERGY STAR certification is a significant milestone that showcases a commitment to energy efficiency and sustainability. This prestigious mark demonstrates that a product, building, or organization meets strict energy efficiency guidelines set by the Environmental Protection Agency. Consumers are increasingly looking for ENERGY STAR certified products and buildings to reduce their carbon footprint and save on energy costs. By obtaining this certification, businesses can not only differentiate themselves in the market but also contribute to a greener future. Boost your brand's reputation and appeal to eco-conscious consumers by showcasing your commitment to energy efficiency. See the advantages of this certification by clicking here.

For retailers new to energy efficiency: At 1pm ET on Tuesday, May 14, NADA and the EPA will host the "Tracking Your Dealership’s Energy and Water Use for Increased Savings" webinar for retailers to learn more about how to get started benchmarking and tracking energy and water usage. You can register for the webinar here.
Earth Day 2024 is in the rear-view mirror. It's never too soon to start thinking about Earth Day 2025, coming up on Tuesday, April 22, 2025. How green will you be in 2025? Let us know what actions you took in 2024 by replying to this e-mail. We look forward to hearing about your endeavors.

Subaru of America offers some suggestions for anyone, as an individual or as a business, to celebrate Earth Day. You can watch the video here. If you need a thought-starter, you can check out below what some of your fellow retailers did this year.

Many of you posted your Earth Day activities on social media. We peruse social media regularly to try to keep up with your "green" endeavors, and we are regularly impressed with what we see. Congratulations and keep up the good work! You just might find your retail facility featured in one of our upcoming newsletters since we plan to highlight Earth Day activities during the next several months. If there is an activity of which you are especially proud, please give us a "heads up" by replying to this e-mail and include the appropriate links to your social media postings or to your web site.





Employees at Wagner Subaru, in Fairborn, OH, volunteered their time and effort to spruce up the landscaping at RiverScape / Five Rivers MetroParks.






Green Dealer Support neither endorses nor promotes any particular product or company. We are merely offering an example of what is available, should you decide to move forward with any information you read about in this newsletter.
Who's Certified?
Click below to see the full list of 253 certified retailers.
Chuck Golden
Green Dealer Support
517.719.0355